This session is designed to equip participants with the tools to engage in disagreement constructively. In an era of polarization and civic tension, attendees will build practical skills in empathy, perspective-taking, and managing difficult conversations across political and ideological differences. Led by psychologist and public affairs scholar Dr. Becca North, the training integrates research-based insight with applied strategies to strengthen civic leadership and democratic discourse.
Dr. Becca North, Lecturer, Human Dimensions of Organizations , Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
Becca North is a researcher, teacher and writer in the field of psychology. Her research is in the area of happiness and well-being—and more broadly, human flourishing. A big question in her research is: How can negative experiences foster positive psychological change? She has an interdisciplinary background—with a Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Texas, a Master’s in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and an AB in History from Princeton University. She has taught at several colleges and universities, including Southwestern University, The University of Texas, and Huston-Tillotson University. After graduating from college, she taught first grade in Compton, California, for three years as a corps member of Teach For America. Becca grew up in North Carolina and Texas and currently live in Austin, Texas.